The decision of Brazil's head coach Carlo Ancelotti is causing widespread controversy after he included Raphinha, the Barcelona star, in the training of the starting lineup that will face Bolivia on Tuesday, as part of the qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup, which will take place at an altitude of 4,100 meters in the city of El Alto.

Despite the fact that Brazil has secured qualification since last June, Ancelotti decided to field Raphinha in a match considered one of the most physically demanding in South America, while he exempted the Real Madrid trio, Vinicius Junior, Militao, and Rodrigo from participation, allowing them to rest in Madrid.

Raphinha, who holds the same importance in the ranks of the Seleção, traveled across the Atlantic, played a match against Chile, and is now preparing to play again, even though the match holds no competitive significance for Brazil.

Ancelotti is expected to field a lineup consisting of substitutes, making numerous changes compared to the match against Chile, which ended with Brazil winning 3-0, but the surprise remains in his insistence on including Raphinha again.

If he does not change his decision during the last training session, Raphinha will appear in the starting lineup in one of the most physically exhausting matches due to the altitude factor.

Ancelotti is expected to hold a press conference to clarify his choices amid criticism directed at him for dealing with Real Madrid and Barcelona players with double standards during the international break.